Blacklist Vintage: A finder's paradise in Minneapolis

​Folks from the Twin Cities who are into vintage fashion love the thrill of the hunt. To find the perfect piece you could drive around for hours hitting up the many thrift stores, boutiques and antique malls around town. Or you could save some time and gas money by making a one-shop-stop into Blacklist Vintage on Nicollet and 27th St. in Minneapolis.

Emily Utne

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Located on Eat Street, Blacklist Vintage celebrated its one-year birthday last week with a blowout sale where shoppers were invited to hunt through the many dollar bins and do some serious digging for everything from pink moccasins to 1940s hats and Members Only jackets. Locals in head-to-toe vintage attended the weekend-long sale and sidewalk BBQ, the soundtrack to the day provided by Transmission resident DJ Jake Rudh.

Emily Utne

​Store owners Jennifer Mumm and Vanessa Messersmith have always been in love with vintage style. Three years ago they pooled resources (i.e. wardrobes) and starting digging around the state for pieces to add to their rapidly growing collection. Once they acquired a noble assortment of clothing and accessories, they rented a booth at the St. Paul Antique Mall to test the waters.

Emily Utne

It wasn't long before Mumm and Messersmith's collection was flying out the door. They were moving a little too fast for the slow-paced antique die-hards in St. Paul and made plans to spread their wings and open a store of their own.
Being savvy business ladies, the women saved money and opened Blacklist debt-free. Despite the nation's lagging consumer spending at top retail stores, Blacklist is booming on its first birthday.

"The first time I saw a girl wearing something from my store was at my husband's (local musician Jeremy Messersmith) CD-release show. I was so thrilled I ran up to her and asked her where she got it," said Vanessa Messersmith. "I'm a lot calmer about it now. I memorize every piece that comes into the store and it's still incredibly flattering to see people out on the town wearing stuff from Blacklist."

Emily Utne

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Many factors contribute to the store's success. Blacklist's low prices and stylish selections of goods from 1940s - 1980s ranks very high in a city where quality vintage finds are either way too expensive or picked over fast. Take some time to hunt through men's and women's clothing and accessories, records, lamps, furniture, décor, household goods, etc, and you're guaranteed to walk out of the store with a handful of inexpensive one-of-a-kind gems thoughtfully selected by the store's owners.

Emily Utne

Upcoming Style Event:
Looking to get dolled up in some of your retro finds? Blacklist Vintage is co-sponsoring the official Mad Men Season Three Kick-off Party on August 16 at Jax Café. Fancy dress from the '50s and '60s is encouraged with prizes given all night for best dressed. Doors open at 8:00 with live music of the era following the premier at 10:00 by Lucy Michelle, Jeremy Messersmith, Janey Winterbauer and DJ Jake Rudh. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.